Official Course Information

Political Science Courses:

Catalog Description:
Introduces constitutional development and present practice of American government. Emphasizes the functional operation of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Examines the role of political parties and the individual.

Catalog Description:
Examines the role of the U.S. Supreme Court as guardian and interpreter of the Constitution. Situates landmark cases within their historical and political context, and builds the critical thinking skills necessary for students to reflect on the significance of the Court's rulings for their own lives.

Catalog Description:
Introduces basic concepts and theories of comparative politics through an analysis of selected political systems and governments in Western and non-Western societies. Topics will include ideology, political culture, institutional development, interest group politics, political participation, decision-making, and economic development. Emphasizes the application of social science research skills with a focus on the comparative method.

Catalog Description:
Introduces the theoretical and practical perspectives of American political parties. Examines the origin, structure and operation of the parties. Students participate in an actual political campaign. Offered every other year to correspond to state and national elections.
NOTE: Students wishing to use this course to fulfill the SUNY General Education requirement in American History are required to meet one of the following criteria: successful completion of HIS 203 or HIS 204; score 85 or better on the New York State Regents American History and Government examination; or earn a score of 3 or better on the AP United States history examination.

Catalog Description:
Provides comparative and historical insights into the problems affecting the developing world by examining social, economic and political changes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Discusses topics such as colonization, independence, statehood, regime-type, and the problems of underdevelopment. Introduces and applies the basic concepts and research methods used in comparative politics through the critical analysis of problems facing developing countries in an increasingly globalized world.

Catalog Description:
Examines the collective interactions of a range of actors on the global stage from nations and states to non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations. Introduces and applies theories and concepts to help students discern recurring patterns. Topics include the rise and decline of great powers, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, the globalization of trade and finance, global inequalities, human rights, and ecological sustainability.

Catalog Description:
Examines the historical foundations, theoretical aspects, and the powers of the presidency. Students will explore the various models of presidential power, the major issues scholars are investigating, and will complete a project based on observation, hypothesis development, collection of data, evaluation of evidence, and interpretive analysis. (This course will only be offered in the spring semester of a presidential election year.)